The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 17, 2013
Filed:
Jun. 04, 2010
Venkata Prasad Atluri, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Thomas L. Gibson, Washington Township, MI (US);
Nelson A. Kelly, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Venkata Prasad Atluri, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Thomas L. Gibson, Washington Township, MI (US);
Nelson A. Kelly, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with vehicle-mounted solar cells capable of generating electrical power. The power from the array is directed to vehicle systems according to a pre-determined algorithm intended to most effectively extend the vehicle range when operated under electric power. Power from the solar cells is directed by a controller, and may be applied to directly charge the batteries or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures, depending on factors including the state of charge of the batteries, whether or not, the vehicle is parked and the current cabin temperature. The controller is also capable of controlling and managing the operating voltage of the solar cells to ensure optimal power extraction from the cells.